Apartment Living: Steps to Take Before Reporting a Rowdy Neighbor

If your neighbor is particularly rowdy, you might want to think twice before reporting him to your landlord or the police. Sometimes, involving third parties may make the situation worse, or even provoke your neighbor to act even rowdier. Before filing a written report with your landlord or calling the police, try to befriend your neighbor or resolve the issue on your own. You might just save yourself time and energy by fixing the problem yourself.

Befriend Your Neighbor

Many apartment neighbors barely know each other. This leads to them not caring about each other. The first step in dealing with a rowdy neighbor is to befriend him by saying hello or by inviting him over for coffee. If you are able to develop a relationship with your neighbor you might find that the annoying behavior will stop.

Talk Cordially to Your Neighbor

The next step if you are having problems with your rowdy neighbor is to visit them and speak to them about your concerns. Calmly tell your neighbor what he is doing that is bothering you and why it is bothering you. If, for example, your neighbor plays loud music late at night you can tell him that his doing so disturbs you or your child’s sleep. Ask if he would mind turning the music down after a certain time.

If, however, your neighbor is rude or becomes angry, immediately walk away and contact the authorities. Do not put you or your loved ones in harm’s way by trying to negotiate with an irate neighbor.